The 2024/25 Premier League season resumes with an exciting Gameweek 12 showdown as Bournemouth hosts Brighton & Hove Albion at the Vitality Stadium. Both teams are locked in the heated top-four race, promising a thrilling encounter this Saturday.
A Tale of Two Ambitious Sides
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, has exceeded expectations this season. While a mid-table finish seemed realistic, they now find themselves just four points off third-placed Chelsea. Despite a 3-0 loss to Arsenal before the international break, the Cherries have been impressive, losing only one of their last four league games.
Brighton, led by Fabian Hurzeler, have matched Chelsea on points and momentum, thanks to their resilience and tactical discipline. Before the break, the Seagulls stunned Manchester City, keeping their top-four dreams alive. With just two losses in 11 matches, Brighton has established itself as a formidable force.
Previous Meeting
The last encounter at this venue ended with a commanding 3-0 win for Bournemouth, with goals from Marcos Senesi, Enes Unal, and Justin Kluivert. As both teams prepare for this season’s clash, all eyes are on whether Bournemouth can repeat that performance.
Bournemouth vs Brighton Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Manager Andoni Iraola faces injury setbacks, with up to five first-team players potentially missing out. While Antoine Semenyo is a doubt with a knee issue, Julian Araujo (hamstring), Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (thigh), and Dango Ouattara (groin) remain sidelined.
Bournemouth is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kepa Arrizabalaga guarding the goal. The defense will feature Adam Smith, Illia Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, and Milos Kerkez. Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook will anchor the midfield, while Justin Kluivert operates as a central playmaker behind striker Evanilson.
Probable Lineup: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Brighton
Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler also has injury woes, with up to eight players in doubt. Long-term absentees include James Milner (hamstring) and Solomon March (knee), while Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, and Tariq Lamptey face late fitness tests.
Brighton is likely to deploy a 4-4-2 setup, with Bart Verbruggen in goal. Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Igor, and Pervis Estupinan will form the backline. The midfield will rely on Carlos Baleba and Matt O’Riley, flanked by Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma, with Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro leading the attack.
Probable Lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, O’Riley, Baleba, Mitoma; Pedro, Welbeck
Key Stats
- Bournemouth has won four of their five home Premier League games against Brighton, their highest win rate (80%) against a single opponent.
- Brighton has collected 10 points in the league since October, second only to Liverpool (13).
- Evanilson is in red-hot form, scoring in three consecutive matches. He could equal Callum Wilson’s 2019 record of scoring in four straight games for Bournemouth.
- Brighton ranks third for high turnovers this season (99), trailing only Tottenham and Manchester City.
Player to Watch: Danny Welbeck
The veteran striker is enjoying a stellar season, contributing six goals and two assists in 11 league appearances. Welbeck’s clinical form will be crucial as Brighton aims to solidify its top-four ambitions.
Bournemouth vs Brighton Prediction:
Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton
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